Note 67 at Jn. 15:19: We should not think it is strange to be persecuted (1 Pet. 4:12). "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). We can actually rejoice because we are being persecuted for Jesus' sake (Acts 5:41), knowing that the Lord will be with us in the midst of the persecution (1 Pet. 4:13) and that there will be more than ample reward when we stand before Him (Heb. 11:26). See note 7 on persecution at Matthew 5:10, page 73 and note 6 at Luke 8:14, page 137.

Note 68 at Jn. 15:19: Persecution is a token that the ones doing the persecuting are under conviction. They realize that they are not living what your words or actions are advocating and so, in defense of self, they attack the one who they perceive to be the source of their conviction. If this is understood, it makes persecution much easier to take. They aren't just mad at you; they are convicted. When the gospel is presented in the power of the Holy Spirit, there will always be either revival or riot, but not indifference.